The Necessity of Tactile pavement in Our Everyday Lives

Being first introduced in 1960, Tactile Paving has been helping visually impaired pedestrians navigate hassle free around busy and hazardous environments.

Tactile indicators are designed to be installed above the ground surface level that contains a series of studs or bars that are installed in the form of paving units, separate mushroom raised studs that are drilled in the ground or mats that are fixed into the ground.

The three different types of Tactiles:

Every tactile pavement serves different purposes and there are prevalent three different types of tactile indicators for so.

Hazard tactiles:

Also known as warning tactiles, they provide a distinctive pattern that is detectable by the feet or a cane. The texture consists of a series of bumps in a truncated dome shape that are easily recognisable and easy to follow.

Available in a variety of colors, but usually the one that contrasts highly with surface tiles they are going to be installed in. The high contrast is beneficial for people having some partial sight to differentiate between the colors. They are highly durable and made with an intention to be erosion resistant in the long foot traffic.

Directional Tactile Indicators:

Also known as Leading tactiles, they consist of a series of raised up bars, installed in the walking surface, each bar designated in perfect alignment. They are designed to guide the visually impaired through the safest route.

They are helpful in guiding the differently abled civilians to avoid lampposts and bins, while guiding them to specific locations.

Cycle way tactile Indicators:

Also known as Marshall’s Cycleway Paving indicator, continuous bars that have a flattened top, are used to advise visually impaired civilians on how to navigate pavements through cycleways.  It provides a visual indication to the end proximity of cycle routes that are not separated by different levels.

Cycle way tactile indicators are used on any pair route where there is no physical separation between the cycle track and footpath, and will help the visually impaired onto the correct side of the pavement.

Application of Tactile Indicators :

Train stations and tram stops 

Public Stations are always crowded with people and thus it is necessary to take precautions so that it does not cause any severe accidents and to help the visually impared citizens.

Public offices

Tactile indicators around the staircase and entrance can help avoid any slips in the hustle of foot traffic of the employees and the clients in the crowded work area.

Leisure Venues 

Since the places like restaurants, bars and hotels have an elevated and culturally geometric series of lighting styles, tactile indicators work as a guide to encroach the pediatricians about the hazard if any.

Hospitals and Schools:

Since they are sensitive public places, optium measures must be taken to increase the safety level in the premises. The indicators must be installed at exit and entry point to ensure that no trips or slips misshapen around the area.

Pedestrian Crossings :

An indication of the beginning and ending of the crossing is helpful for passengers.. The tactile indicator helps to achieve the desired level of safety for pedestrians ensuring that they do not cross the road until it is safe to do so. 

Hence with an upgradation in the tech world, safety issues and combat against the situation through advancement in techniques is the solution to create an equitable environment for everybody. 

Till then, take safe steps!